PFT’s second-round mock draft

The Pats might swing this pick for a future first-rounder, but we’re not projecting trades. Reed is a relentless, explosive pass rusher. New England could use a double-digit sack threat across from 2010 second-round pick Jermaine Cunningham.

Of the quarterbacks left after day one, Kaepernick is the best fit for coach Chan Gailey’s offense. Likely fall-back options include UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers, Pittsburgh’s Jabaal Sheard, and perhaps Illinois’ Martez Wilson.

Cincinnati’s draft strategy was pretty much made public over the past two weeks: Take A.J. Green at four and pray a passable quarterback prospect falls to 35. Dalton would probably be the Bengals’ Week One starter.

The Broncos passed on Marcell Dareus at No. 2 overall, eying defensive tackles at the top of round two. In terms of sheer talent, Austin isn’t an obvious step down from Dareus and would be an immediate starter.

The Arizona coaching staff has several connections to the Pitt program, including alumnus Russ Grimm. Sheard fell a bit due to character concerns, but the 2010 Big East Defensive Player of the Year can get after the quarterback.

Williams likely received strong consideration from both Pittsburgh and Green Bay at the back end of round one. In Dallas, he’d start at free safety with incumbent Alan Ball moving to dime packages at cornerback.

The Skins were strongly linked to Julio Jones at No. 10, and traded out when the draft’s second-best receiver didn’t fall to them. Smith is a local favorite and helps solve one of Washington’s many glaring needs.

42. Texans: Akeem Ayers, linebacker, UCLA.

Houston surprisingly passed on some of the draft’s best pass rushers at 11 in favor of rotational end J.J. Watt. Watt will be a fine player, but more pass rush is needed as Wade Phillips installs his 3-4.

Ijalana is durable, having started every game of his college career, and projects to either guard or right tackle. In Minnesota, the dominant small-school prospect would be a day-one starter at right guard.

The Lions smartly went with value over need in round one, stealing top-ten talent Nick Fairley at No. 13. Holes remain on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. Dowling would’ve been a first-round pick if not for some injuries.

This is a guarantee: St. Louis will emerge from day two with a running back. Many NFL teams were divided on whether Leshoure or Mark Ingram was the top back in the 2011 class. Leshoure would lessen some of Steven Jackson’s load on early downs, allowing the Rams’ starter to elongate his career and play more in the passing game.

48: Raiders: Rodney Hudson, center/guard, Florida State.

Hudson is a terrific athlete and made All-ACC all four years at FSU. Raiders owner Al Davis would start him at center after Hudson played mostly left guard for the Seminoles.

Pre-draft rumors linked Washington to Mallett as high as No. 10 overall. We doubt that was ever a serious consideration, but Mike Shanahan will find it difficult to pass on perhaps the draft’s most gifted pure passer with such a terrible quarterback situation on the roster.

Houston fell down boards after testing positive for marijuana at the Combine. He’s still one of the draft’s most naturally explosive players. Houston would probably beat out Larry English to start in year one.

Wisniewski has the offensive line versatility G.M. Jerry Reese covets, and he’s NFL-ready at a position of need. With incumbent center Shaun O’Hara coming off Achilles’ tendon surgery, Wisniewski could be an immediate starter.

53: Colts: Kenrick Ellis, defensive tackle, Hampton.

It’s no secret that Indianapolis can’t stop the run. Ellis, at 6-foot-5, 336, is a man child on the interior. The Colts also showed quite a bit of interest in him leading up to the draft.

Philadelphia has two likely starters at linebacker, Stewart Bradley and Jamar Chaney, but the other spot is up in the air. Foster is the most productive non-rush linebacker in the 2011 class, and he can cover.

Moch isn’t just a workout freak. He was the 2009 WAC Defensive Player of the Year, before narrowly losing out to the aforementioned Carter as a senior. Moch could make franchise player Tamba Hali that much more dangerous.

Williams’ stock has slipped a bit after an injury-ruined redshirt sophomore season, but it’s fair to wonder if he’d be getting talked up as the draft’s No. 1 running back had he stayed healthy. As a between-the-tackles ball carrier, he’s an upgrade on BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

This is probably the most talented corner left, and Seattle has a big need at the position. Harris would be the Seahawks’ nickel back in his first year, joining Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond III on the field for obvious passing downs.

Baltimore gets its much needed field-stretching wideout. Gates is 25 years old and ready to play with the big boys after a dominant D-2 college career that saw him score 27 touchdowns with an 18.26 yards-per-catch average.

Little draws comparisons to Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin for his physical, run-after-catch skills. The Browns need to get Colt McCoy weapons or he’ll have no chance to establish himself as a franchise quarterback. Little is a picturesque fit for Pat Shurmur’s West Coast offense.

60: Patriots: Marcus Gilchrist, defensive back, Clemson.

New England loves versatility in the back end, and Gilchrist can play corner, both safety positions, and cover the slot. Gilchrist’s draft stock was heading north in a hurry leading up to the draft.

Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith loves big-bodied receivers. Hankerson possesses the biggest hands of any wideout that will be drafted, and the 6-foot-2, 209-pound prospect has a knack for scoring touchdowns. Both Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd are unsigned for 2011.

Chicago may struggle to find a “three-technique” replacement for Tommie Harris after passing on Marvin Austin in the first. Jernigan fits the Mike Martz profile as a lithe, fluid route runner who gets quickly in and out of his breaks. He can play the slot and “Z” receiver in Martz’s system.

Speed like Jones’ is very hard to come by. Coach Mike Tomlin is willing to run Rashard Mendenhall into the ground, but needs a third-down, change-of-pace back with free agent Mewelde Moore likely to depart. Jones is a natural receiver out of the backfield, and a homerun hitter on kick and punt returns.

64: Packers: Denarius Moore, wide receiver, Tennessee.

Moore has flown under the radar among draftniks, but has some Santonio Holmes to his game. A silky smooth deep threat, Moore averaged a ridiculous 20.9 yards per catch with nine touchdowns as a senior. Moore is also a former track star and could help right away on kickoff returns.

So Angelo, who are the Bears going to throw toilet paper at and run in this round?

hitdog042 says:Apr 29, 2011 10:58 AM

Don’t be surprised if the Bengals pass on a QB in round 2. They could take Dalton or Mallet, or they could easily wait on Palmer or make a trade later on and just stick to their board.

Aaron Williams would be someone the Bengals probably are interested in.

I think it could go either way tonight for them. QB or a DB.

iamtalkingsolistenandlearn says:Apr 29, 2011 10:59 AM

Atlanta and Seattle get big F’s for day one.
Cleveland and New Orleans did very good.

I have a hunch the Chiefs just might move up into the Rams spot and in front of Washington if Mallet is still available.

carson9 says:Apr 29, 2011 11:02 AM

I don’t see how the Brownies could use their 37th pick on anything but a Wideout. Colt has no one to throw to. Also if the 49ers don’t move up and draft a QB then most of their fan base will highly resent the fact of another year of Alex Smith. NOT a good way to start your rookie NFL coaching career by starting the one guy who gives most fans migraines….

If Rex Ryan has a foot fetish, Belichick has a NFL draft pick fetish. The guy hoards them but never uses them. It was cool for a while, but it is getting out of hand now. I was always under the impression that teams who are in a rebuilding mode should acquire as many picks as possible, such as the Browns did last night.

But the Pats have a team that can win RIGHT NOW. They need to turn these picks into productive players before Brady retires and their window officially closes.

Love Mason foster to the Birds but I don’t see them taking a backer this high. I see them trying to move up to take Williams at corner or Bowers at end….. Would love to see the Foster pick though I think he is highly underrated. Another guy i would like to see the birds go after at backer is jones from M st.

If Martez Wilson is still there at the end of 2 then the Steelers definitely pull the trigger. James Farrior is up there in age and even though they drafted Stevenson Sylvester, Wilson’s talent is undeniable and cannot be passed up this late in the draft.

thefiesty1 says:Apr 29, 2011 11:45 AM

Say it ain’t so, Evan. Dalton deserves a better team than the idiot Bengals. They’ll take Mallett.

scooby77 says:Apr 29, 2011 11:50 AM

Would be pissed if Koepernick is the Bills pick. Take Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame!

Come on. Pittsburgh is not going to take a secondary level running back. They will pick corners and offensive lineman before they even think about a 3rd down running back.

purdueman says:Apr 29, 2011 12:21 PM

I’m still scratching my head over the Vikings burning the 12th overall pick on Christian Ponder when Dalton was still on the board. According to ESPN the Vikings desperately tried to trade down, but couldn’t apparently get value for value. Then again, we ARE talking about a team who thought Tarvaris Jackson was an NFL caliber QB too. Ugh!

Bottom line? Ponder is this years Tebow.

As for day 2? I totally agree with the posters who say that there’s no way Wiesnewski slips past Oakland and there’s no way the Bears are drafting ANY receiver as high as round 2… Bears GM Angelo just doesn’t believe in taking a receiver that high.

Given the Bears total lack of depth on the o-line, how can ANYBODY knock the Bears (very low), first round pick taking the Jewish Hammer? Keep in mind that the kid was a four year starter at LT for a pretty damned good football program in a pretty good conference.

Bears o-line coach Mike Tice is the best in the business; I don’t know what he has in mind, but look for another big shuffle in terms of who starts where on the line next season.

Lion’s Fan, I agree that would be an excellent coup for them. Definitely would be push them towards competing for second in the division. Now if they can pick up Marcus Cannon to plug in at Guard, then that would be amazing.

thegonz13 says:Apr 29, 2011 12:27 PM

Patriots Will trade the 33rd pick and some other QB-needy team will get Dalton!

If Bruce Carter falls out of Rd 2, I hope the Browns move up to grab him. The “two massive men in the middle” are the Browns going forward with the Tampa 2 like Chicago & TB in 2002. On their board will be:
Reed
Sheard
Williams
Gilchrist
Carter
obviously all WRs on Rd 2 board (minus Moore from UT).

DiscountMescan says:Apr 29, 2011 12:37 PM

The Steelers going RB over CB or OL would be crazy but it’s as likely to happen as them going DE with the 1st pick.

norton20 says:Apr 29, 2011 12:43 PM

“The Arizona coaching staff has several connections to the Pitt program”

Well the Bills have his head coach, Wannstadt, as defensive assistant. If the Bills don’t take Sheard, perhaps there is a good reason.

dempsey63 says:Apr 29, 2011 12:45 PM

sterilizecromartie says:

“Belichick has an NFL draft pick fetish. The guy hoards them but never uses them.

“The Pats…need to turn these picks into productive players before Brady retires and their window officially closes.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Amen to that. I kept waiting for Belichick to bundle some premium picks, move up 20 slots and drop a bombshell on the league. Maybe he’s waiting for the rookie wage scale to officially become part of the equation before he utilizes his stash.

It wouldn’t surprise me if he dives headlong into the supplemental draft market, obtaining a current player(s) in exchange for one of next year’s choices. That would enable Belichick to gain a prospect at a layaway price while adding a year of professional experience to the player’s resume before any payment becomes due.

Alright Bengals fans….. do we seal the deal on Carson leaving, or do try like hell to put enough peices on offence and defence to make him change his mind. I think adding Bowers (if he passed their medical) would go a long way….

Where do you guys have Christian Ponder going? Oh wait, my vikes reached for him with the 12th pick. There’s a reason this team hasn’t won a superbowl.

brownsfn says:Apr 29, 2011 12:49 PM

I like it and I hope it goes EXACTLY like this buddy!!

cleverbob says:Apr 29, 2011 12:58 PM

The Eagles pick their linebackers off the scrapheap. High draft picks are saved for DE’s that never pan out.

bensstinkyfingers says:Apr 29, 2011 1:28 PM

As a Browns fan, I was initially pis*ed off when they traded down, but if they can get Bowers and a serviceable WR. in round 2 it will Be an A+ , then 2 first rounders next year. We’ve waited this long to become a contender, building a powerhouse for years to come! Go Browns!!

chc36 says:Apr 29, 2011 1:42 PM

Really surprised you guys don’t have Titus Young going in the 2nd round, thought he was the 4th best WR in the draft?

If this happens for the Browns then they get a grade A. Their D line will be solid against the grind it out AFC North, they pick up a solid WR and you can bet that they have something in the works with all the picks they’ve acquired to eventually pick up a veteran WR when trading is allowed. Browns HQ knows what they are doing.

eightysixisback says:Apr 29, 2011 2:03 PM

No way the steelers take a RB in the second round. They will take a CB or OL.

“Belichick has an NFL draft pick fetish. The guy hoards them but never uses them.

“The Pats…need to turn these picks into productive players before Brady retires and their window officially closes.”
…………………………………………………………………….
I was talking about that last night. Every year the Pats seem to have 2 first round picks, and every year the Pats trade one for Next years first round pick. I’m Def. not attacking there ability to field a winning team, but damn, start using those picks. There were alot of good D-men in this draft that fell. If there was a time to be happy about hoarding picks, this was the year, and they just traded out again.

I’m seeing these posts about Stefen Wisniewski going to the Raiders… anyone see his 40 time?
5.29… definitely not Al Davis speed but his uncle is the line coach so maybe… we’ll see

We'reFineThere says:Apr 29, 2011 2:32 PM

If the Eagles take a linebacker then at least we know Asomugha has agreed in principal.

jgrange says:Apr 29, 2011 3:24 PM

Raiders already have a starting center who they like so I don’t get that pick at all. If he can play guard and plays guard, then sure. However, they need a right tackle and maybe a guard. Nobody knows who they’re going to take but your pick makes no sense to me.

Actually, I scrolled up to see who wrote this and, of course, it’s Evan Silva.

mjdkid100 says:Apr 29, 2011 4:21 PM

sterilizecromartie says:
Apr 29, 2011 11:30 AM
If Rex Ryan has a foot fetish, Belichick has a NFL draft pick fetish. The guy hoards them but never uses them. It was cool for a while, but it is getting out of hand now. I was always under the impression that teams who are in a rebuilding mode should acquire as many picks as possible, such as the Browns did last night.

But the Pats have a team that can win RIGHT NOW. They need to turn these picks into productive players before Brady retires and their window officially closes.

———-

You sir are dumb. They moved a pick into next year to be flexible. Trading 28, they obviously had enough talent on there board to sacrifice 5 spots and wait until 33 to take someone. Now they have 2 1st next year and 3 picks in the 2nd tonight.

purdueman says:Apr 29, 2011 6:10 PM

dempsey63 says:
Apr 29, 2011 12:45 PM
sterilizecromartie says:

“Belichick has an NFL draft pick fetish. The guy hoards them but never uses them.

“The Pats…need to turn these picks into productive players before Brady retires and their window officially closes.”
*******************
This is an EXCELLENT post, because it’s very accurate! Belinchick’s whole deal seems to be trying to constantly be out guessing the room, and maniacally sand bagging picks is his way of trying to do so.

The Patriots last season gave up a first down on 47% on their opponents third downs, primarily because their defensive (rush), line is lacking. With so many picks available to them, it’s just plain foolish on their part to not have moved up this draft to grab an impact d-lineman.